Eric Perez Country Name Flag Italy Brazil Argentina

The People

Cultural achievement is Italy's greatest source of pride. Inventiveness, imagination, intelligence and education are prized. Personal relations are scrupulously maintained with loyalty highly valued, especially in families. The family is the most important affiliation in Italy.

Brazilians are friendly and freespirited, with an incredible zest for life. They are very risk-oriented and very creative. Predominantly Roman Catholic (73%), families are large and often include extended family members. Family, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds are important to Brazilians.

Meeting & greeting

-When being introduced during a business or social meeting, shake hands with everyone present -- men, women and children. Shake hands again when leaving. -Ladies should extend their hand first to men

Argentines are very proud of their country and culture. They are well educated and sophisticated and like to be viewed as cosmopolitan and progressive. Because 85% of Argentinas population hails from Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Poland and the Middle East, Argentines tend to identify with Europeans. It has been said that Argentines are a nation of Italians who speak Spanish and think theyre -Take time to -A handshake and nod greet and say show respect when good-bye to each greeting someone. person present. -An embrace and one -Women kiss twice kiss on the cheek is -- once on each common between cheek -- if they are friends and acquaintances. married. Single women add a third kiss.

Body Language

- Maintain eye
contact while talking. Otherwise Italians might think you are hiding something - Business cards are exchanged only at the first meeting and should be handed to recipients, not tossed at them. Do not give a business card to the same person more than once. - Italians are open, curious and tolerant of others uniqueness and manners. They will tolerate lateness, inefficiency and sincere mistakes, but dislike arrogance and rudeness.

- The "O.K." sign

is considered very rude and vulgar; the "thumbs up" gesture is used for approval.

Argentines are touches and stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away. -Personal relationships are important and must be developed before business is done

Corporate Culture

- Your personality
and ability to establish strong personal and business relationships is important to the success of your business endeavor.

Helpful Hints

- Dont assume
that the "selfmade" businessperson is admired in Brazil. Inherited wealth and a good family background are much more desirable.

- Dont be
offended by Argentine humor, which may mildly attack your clothing or weight.

Eduardo Varela What is Cultural Etiquette?

Cultural etiquette requires you to understand another culture - or at least behave as though you do.